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Arsenal have been handed a significant boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid, as four key Los Blancos players—including Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior—face potential punishment from UEFA, including possible suspensions.
UEFA have launched disciplinary proceedings against Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, Vinícius Júnior, and Dani Ceballos for their actions during Madrid’s celebrations at the Metropolitano Stadium following their last-16 penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid on March 12.
Rüdiger is at risk of the most severe sanction after he was caught making a throat-slitting gesture toward Atlético supporters in the aftermath of the shootout. Mbappé also sparked controversy by grabbing his genitals in front of rival fans before clutching the Madrid badge on his shirt in a provocative manner.
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Vinícius further stoked tensions by placing his Madrid coat on the pitch in front of Atlético fans and pointing at the ground, seemingly asserting Madrid’s dominance. During the match, he also taunted the home crowd over Atlético’s failure to win a Champions League title.
🚨BREAKING: Arsenal could be set for a huge Champions League boost as four Real Madrid players are facing a potential ban.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos are all being investigated following their behaviour during the win over Atletico Madrid.… pic.twitter.com/A4068gv1zN
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 27, 2025
Meanwhile, Ceballos was caught on video making an obscene gesture toward Atlético supporters as he exited the field toward the tunnel.
UEFA confirmed the disciplinary action in an official statement on Thursday: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández, and Vinícius Júnior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.”
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Real Madrid will now present their defense to UEFA in an attempt to avoid possible sanctions.
Previous cases suggest that financial penalties are a likely outcome, as seen in 2019 when Cristiano Ronaldo was fined €20,000 (£17,300) for imitating Diego Simeone’s controversial “cojones” celebration in Juventus’ Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid.
Earlier this year, Real Madrid were fined €30,000 (£24,800) after some of their fans directed homophobic chants at Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The club also received a partial stadium closure, though the punishment is suspended for two years.
With the first leg of Arsenal quarter-final clash against Real Madrid set for April 8 at the Emirates Stadium, any potential suspensions could severely impact Carlo Ancelotti’s squad selection. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu is scheduled for April 16.
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